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GAF photography assignment thread 106: candid portraiture

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theme: candid portraiture

we've done candid and we've done portraits, but i wasn't around for either and i like doing both. so let's combine them! some might say the use of the word "portraiture" is kind of inaccurate but in any case what i'm after are just pictures of people who don't know you're taking the picture. street photography, nightlife, at home, etc...anything goes.


submissions are due by sunday february 13th at 11:59 p.m. PST.

voting begins monday feb 14th and ends on tuesday feb 15th at 11:59 p.m. PST.

rules

1) The theme can be interpreted as you see fit, but keep in mind others will be judging based on whatever criteria they see fit.

2) Only one photo per person, per assignment.
-- Photos must be taken during the assignment period.
-- Only photos to be posted in this thread are to be submissions.
-- You can change your submission by editing your post.
-- To avoid cluttering up the thread, please avoid quoting images.
-- Photos should be no larger than 800 pixels on the long edge.

3) One vote for your first choice (3 points) and one vote for your runner-up (1 point), which can be based on any criteria you see fit. You cannot vote for your own submission. Non-participants are also welcome to vote. Criticism/comments encouraged.

4) The "winner" should come up with a new theme/time period. Ties are broken first by the number of first choice votes, then by longest time since last win/thread start, then by longest amount of time participating in assignment threads.

5) Have fun!

GAF Photography Assignment Threads FAQ
 
Once again congrats 345triangle!
Hopefully I will be able to submit something, but I think I'm a bit too much of a wuss to take a good candid picture of people. I will give it a shot though. :)

Subscribed.
 
yeah i know not everyone might be 100% comfortable with this entry, but i hope everyone gives it a try!

street photography is my favourite kind of photography. i think it's either the easiest kind in the world or the hardest, depending on what you come across in a day - that's what makes it exciting, because going out solely to photograph your surroundings feels kind of like a performance. sometimes i come home with nothing, sometimes i'll come home with a card full of great stuff.

i usually use small film cameras or my NEX with 16mm lens for it, which forces me to get close to the subject but gives a more intimate feel, and the fact that the camera is so discreet means that i'm not going to creep anyone out by shoving a massive DSLR in their face. that said, you can always just use a telephoto lens - it's not quite the same, but it's certainly easier to get natural, unnoticed shots that way. an iphone or similar can also make a great street photography camera.

just pretend to be a tourist or something! maybe i get away with it more easily, being in japan.
 
I would love to take part in this one. Hopefully the rain will let up so I can be happy taking my 500D out.

One thing though - in some countries this is illegal without the permission of your subject due to data protection laws. Even where it is technically legal, it is bad form.

If you photo is singularly and obviously focussing in on one person, after you have taken the photo walk up to that person, explain what you were doing and ask permission to use it. If they don't like it, delete it on the spot and show them you have deleted it. It may break your heart if this one image is absolutely perfect but it does make you an infinitely better human being.
 
Definitely subscribing, specially now that I can finally post. Hopefully I can get something on time.
 
Does anyone else think that two-and-a-half weeks plus voting is a little long for the assignment period? I realize that during the last assignment I suggested that MrBig extend the due date, but that was because he had it ending on a Friday with voting on Sat.-Sun. which historically hasn't done well participation-wise.

But since the beginning of these assignments we've had kind of a two week rhythm with the due date on a Sunday and voting on Monday and Tuesday, and then a new assignment on Wed. or Thur. with the new due date on the Sunday of the following week (10-11 days later). That still gives everyone two weekends to shoot. I wonder if going to two-and-a-half weeks over three shooting weekends is stretching things out too long? How does everyone else feel?
 
Lucky Forward said:
Does anyone else think that two-and-a-half weeks plus voting is a little long for the assignment period? I realize that during the last assignment I suggested that MrBig extend the due date, but that was because he had it ending on a Friday with voting on Sat.-Sun. which historically hasn't done well participation-wise.

But since the beginning of these assignments we've had kind of a two week rhythm with the due date on a Sunday and voting on Monday and Tuesday, and then a new assignment on Wed. or Thur. with the new due date on the Sunday of the following week (10-11 days later). That still gives everyone two weekends to shoot. I wonder if going to two-and-a-half weeks over three shooting weekends is stretching things out too long? How does everyone else feel?

I have to agree. Two shooting weekends seems to be more than enough time for one assignment period. Any more time than that, and the assignment thread seems to fall into obscurity. Plus, immediacy can sometimes be a good motivator.
 
Suairyu said:
I would love to take part in this one. Hopefully the rain will let up so I can be happy taking my 500D out.

One thing though - in some countries this is illegal without the permission of your subject due to data protection laws. Even where it is technically legal, it is bad form.

If you photo is singularly and obviously focussing in on one person, after you have taken the photo walk up to that person, explain what you were doing and ask permission to use it. If they don't like it, delete it on the spot and show them you have deleted it. It may break your heart if this one image is absolutely perfect but it does make you an infinitely better human being.

i don't want to debate the morality of street photography in this thread, because your points are completely reasonable and i can't say anything against them if it's the way you feel, but i'll just say that the only country i'm aware of it being technically illegal in is france (how else would paparazzi exist? (though yeah that is admittedly not the best example to defend the artform with)), and that i personally don't feel that it's necessary to ask permission if you're not going to use the photo commercially - but absolutely, more power to anyone that holds themselves to that standard if it helps you feel more comfortable taking part. i don't want anyone to be put off by the idea.

also remember this isn't only a street photography assignment! you can do this anywhere, public or private, with strangers or friends.

Lucky Forward said:
Does anyone else think that two-and-a-half weeks plus voting is a little long for the assignment period? I realize that during the last assignment I suggested that MrBig extend the due date, but that was because he had it ending on a Friday with voting on Sat.-Sun. which historically hasn't done well participation-wise.

But since the beginning of these assignments we've had kind of a two week rhythm with the due date on a Sunday and voting on Monday and Tuesday, and then a new assignment on Wed. or Thur. with the new due date on the Sunday of the following week (10-11 days later). That still gives everyone two weekends to shoot. I wonder if going to two-and-a-half weeks over three shooting weekends is stretching things out too long? How does everyone else feel?

yeah i wondered about this myself - 10 days seemed a little short, but i guess two weekends is two weekends. i'll bring it back a week and reserve the right to extend it again if the turnout's low!
 
Paparazzi get away with it because they (successfully) argue that the photos of celebrities fall under the banner of 'public interest'. If an individual does not fit that description, their likeness is private and protected by data laws, at least in the UK.

Honestly, I don't want to put anyone off. It's my personal standard and I don't hold others to it. Just trying to give a warning perspective on affairs and just be sure to double check the laws in your area before proceeding if you are going to go the street+stranger route.
 
Suairyu said:
Paparazzi get away with it because they (successfully) argue that the photos of celebrities fall under the banner of 'public interest'. If an individual does not fit that description, their likeness is private and protected by data laws, at least in the UK.

Honestly, I don't want to put anyone off. It's my personal standard and I don't hold others to it. Just trying to give a warning perspective on affairs and just be sure to double check the laws in your area before proceeding if you are going to go the street+stranger route.

No it isn't.

EDIT: Your personal standard is just fine, but the UK law isn't the way you say it is.
 
Always-honest said:
We should add that you can not use anything longer than 50mm :P.

Candid portraits become rather easy when you have a 300mm lens...

Pros/Cons (50mm):
+ You have to get closer!
- You have to get closer...

+ They might see you!
- They might see you...

+ You may get to engage in conversation with your subject!
- You may get to engage in conversation with your subject...

Pros/Cons (300mm):
+ It's really easy!
- It's too easy...

+ Bigger camera/lens = Professional??
- Bigger camera/lens = Stalker/Kidnapper??

But in all seriousness, this sounds like a great assignment. Going to have to take advantage of the non-blizzard weather and get out this weekend to some events.
 
Human_Shield said:
Pros/Cons (50mm):
+ You have to get closer!
- You have to get closer...

+ They might see you!
- They might see you...

+ You may get to engage in conversation with your subject!
- You may get to engage in conversation with your subject...

Pros/Cons (300mm):
+ It's really easy!
- It's too easy...

+ Bigger camera/lens = Professional??
- Bigger camera/lens = Stalker/Kidnapper??

This list made me laugh hard
 
I'd like to participate. Can it be a candid shot of my 11 month old playing on his own? (His birthday is on the 14th! My little man is growing up, *sniff*)
 
JodyAnthony said:
I'd like to participate. Can it be a candid shot of my 11 month old playing on his own? (His birthday is on the 14th! My little man is growing up, *sniff*)

From the rules:


1) The theme can be interpreted as you see fit, but keep in mind others will be judging based on whatever criteria they see fit.
 
Suairyu said:
Honestly, I don't want to put anyone off. It's my personal standard and I don't hold others to it. Just trying to give a warning perspective on affairs and just be sure to double check the laws in your area before proceeding if you are going to go the street+stranger route.

cool, it's just that you said "it makes you an infinitely better person" and, well, if i'm shooting with film i couldn't do that even if i wanted to. i imagine the world of art would be significantly less richer if, say, henri cartier-bresson had followed your guidelines.

the takeaway from this exchange of viewpoints is this; everyone should carry out the assignment in a way they feel comfortable doing so.

Human_Shield said:
Pros/Cons (50mm):
+ You have to get closer!
- You have to get closer...

+ They might see you!
- They might see you...

+ You may get to engage in conversation with your subject!
- You may get to engage in conversation with your subject...

Pros/Cons (300mm):
+ It's really easy!
- It's too easy...

+ Bigger camera/lens = Professional??
- Bigger camera/lens = Stalker/Kidnapper??

awesome. yeah any lens is okay i reckon, swings and roundabouts!

JodyAnthony said:
I'd like to participate. Can it be a candid shot of my 11 month old playing on his own? (His birthday is on the 14th! My little man is growing up, *sniff*)

well, is he aware of what a pose for the camera is (so as not to do it)?

hah of course it's okay!
 
Human_Shield said:
Pros/Cons (50mm):
+ You have to get closer!
- You have to get closer...

+ They might see you!
- They might see you...

+ You may get to engage in conversation with your subject!
- You may get to engage in conversation with your subject...

Pros/Cons (300mm):
+ It's really easy!
- It's too easy...

+ Bigger camera/lens = Professional??
- Bigger camera/lens = Stalker/Kidnapper??

But in all seriousness, this sounds like a great assignment. Going to have to take advantage of the non-blizzard weather and get out this weekend to some events.
:P

expecting a nice 15mm shot by you mister ;)
 
I was taking some candids around Bristol,UK today while I attended the Nintendo 3DS event there, and this one stood out to me to consider submitting to this thread. I feel like the foreground and background being out of focus makes the girl the center of attention even if she's not framed as such, and helps to convey that feeling that she's being watched. Really wasn't anything creepy about it though in reality, she was just one of many people I snapped today.

180297_497869255881_590985881_6780686_2265379_n.jpg


I also took this one, which I also considered using for this.

I would have liked to get someone almost straight on, as a more literal portrait, but its not as easy as I thought without asking the subject.
 
My first entry in one of these...

5441365798_76942e77e0.jpg


My grandfather when I went to 'bai leen' (拜年) at my grandparents' place in HK.
 
w71thh.jpg


sony a55
35mm
f/2.0
1/60
ISO 250

i like this shot because while there's a clear subject, everyone in the background is visibly doing the same thing. good to see some entries already, how's this assignment going for everyone? i can extend it a bit if need be but obviously best not to.
 
1: ili0926. The guy as he probably is. Non-posed and pretty private. Great composition.
2: SalsaShark. Love the relaxed sleepy face and the colours & lighting. Unprepared for the photograph.

Both beautifull.
 
1 - youta / Simple yet it works. Beautiful.
2 - ili0926 / took out one point because the color balance is a little too much for me, still a really good photo, props.

and thanks Always-honest, was thinking of going with another picture but i really love her hair in that one.
 
okay sorry for the delay in tallying these! kind of a landslide...

1) ili0926 (22)
2) 345triangle (4)
3) youta (3)

i didn't get round to voting myself, sorry :/ i would've voted for ili too though, great shot.
 
Don't forget to post the top three...it's the Photogaf equivalent of standing on the Olympic winners' platform.

The Top Three:

ili0926
5441365798_76942e77e0.jpg


345triangle
w71thh.jpg


youta
candid_portrait.jpeg


Congrats to all!
 
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